reflexology good for the sole


Reflexology is an ancient Chinese therapy based on the principle that different areas on your feet and hands correspond to other parts in your body. By massaging these parts, you’re stimulating the nervous system to promote an increased sense of well-being and vitality.


It can be traced back to thousands of years ago, where many civilisations and cultures used it as a form of healing. Thanks to years of research, it’s still hugely popular in modern therapies.


origins


Julie Speed, Director of IBHA and Cedars Health & Beauty Centre explains: “In the early 20th Century, Dr. William Fitzgerald rediscovered ‘zone therapy’. Zone therapy is based on the theory that the body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones of energy that extend from the feet and the hands to the brain. Fitzgerald found that applying pressure to a finger caused an anaesthetic effect through the corresponding zone.


“Dr. Shelby Riley took Fitzgerald's work further, adding to the zones identified on the feet, and made the first detailed drawings of the reflexes. Dr. Shelby Riley's colleague, Eunice Ingham, began extensively matching areas on the feet with the anatomy of the body. She found that treatments of the feet could promote healing and is credited with coining the phrase ‘Reflexology’. Doreen Bayly was a student of Eunice Ingham and brought Reflexology to the UK in the 1960's.”


From then on, Ingham’s methods – or similar techniques that have been developed through the years – have been widely used throughout salons and Spas all over the world.


what is it?


The art of Reflexology has so many benefits; when the feet are massaged, it claims to relax and de-stress whilst promoting a peaceful state of mind. It stimulates the lymph, which aids in the removal of waste and toxins, ultimately fighting infection and restoring homeostasis.


“As a Reflexologist we may feel crystal deposits on the feet and hands which could


indicate areas of sluggish energy flow, the client may feel slight tenderness,” explains Salon Owner and Beauty Trainer, Marie- Louise Coster.


“During the treatment, such areas would be worked a little more with the intention to break down the deposits and restore energy flow thus enabling the body to get rid of toxic waste products and heal itself.”


One of the main benefits of introducing Reflexology to your treatment menu, is that it requires minimal outlay and equipment. If you already offer forms of massage in your salon or Spa, then the existing beauty couch can be used. Alternatively, you can purchase a Reflexology chair if your budget and floor space allows you to do so.


Alongside this, you will only need to think about what products you intend to use, and there are a variety of mediums that can work in Reflexology; powders, creams, lotions and oils.


offering it as a treatment


Before you carry out your Reflexology treatment, you may wish to soak the feet first to soften and relax the skin; this will be particularly beneficial if your client is suffering from calluses and dry skin in this area. For example, the Cuccio Detox Soak is a combination of Magnesium Sulphate crystals, a tablet made from Sodium Carbonite, plus three essential herbs. This drains the toxins out of the body through the 500,000 sweat glands we have in our feet, leaving them super soft and prepared for their massage.


Although Reflexology works great as a stand-alone treatment, you may wish to incorporate it into other protocols including a pedicure or full body massage.


“If you offer other treatments it is nice to pair the benefits of Reflexology up with them,” notes Marie-Louise. “I often combine a Reflexology session with treatments such as a back or full body massage, or even a pedicure. It makes a nice pampering treat for the client and will benefit their overall health and well-being.”


Steering away from the traditional Reflexology method through hands and feet, you could opt to train in facial Reflexology to offer alongside a facial. Nikke Ariff has been teaching Facial Reflexology Sorensensistem™


since 2005. The aim is to fully relax the client by linking the face to


the rest of the body, hormonal system, and emotional patterns by using an amalgamation of facial maps.


“For those of us who work on the face, Sorensensistem™ is easy to incorporate within a beauty treatment,” says Nikke.


Alternatively, if you’re looking for a less hands-on approach, then there are new technologies that incorporate the principles of Reflexology into their systems. The iComfoot Warm II from Sasaki massages away soreness and fatigue from the feet and thighs whilst simultaneously shaping and toning calves. When the heat therapy function is activated, it stimulates vital acupressure points and reflex zones, offering an effective therapeutic massage for improved well-being. It comes with six intensity levels allowing you to customise the massage to suit your clients’ needs. The wonderful thing about Reflexology is that it can be tailored to everyone. It isn’t an age or gender-specific treatment, so you already have an advantage when it comes to marketing.


The Cuccio Detox Soak drains the toxins out of the body through the 500,000 sweat glands we have in our feet, and prepares them for their Reflexology massage.


142 GUILD NEWS


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